Sara’s Top Ten for 2006

  1. State Aid to libraries and library systems included 14 million in new construction aid; aid formulas using the 2000 census and one time extra funding for SALS totaling $110,551.  Many thanks to our state representatives, Assembly members Canestrari, McDonald, Reilly, Sayward, Tedisco, and Senators Bruno, Farley and Little for their support and efforts.
  2. The SALS Plan of Service was developed by the member library staff and trustees and was submitted to the Division of Library Development.  The SALS 2007 budget was developed based upon the Plan of Service.
  3. The new Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library opened its doors on December 11, 2006.  The 15 million, 55,000 square foot “green” building is the first library in NY State built using recycled tires, plastic, aluminum, bottles and scrap metal and carpeting made of beets, corn and rice.  Congratulations to the dedicated trustees, staff and residents of Clifton Park and Halfmoon for their achievement.
  4. We all celebrated our first year anniversary using POLARIS, our integrated library system.  The JA Staff and system trainers continue to provide support on the use of the system.
  5. The SALS Board of Trustees made funds available to send one representative from each library to the Public Library Association’s National Conference.  A bus, a van and numerous cars traveled to Boston, MA to attend programs, visit with vendors and network with other library staff and trustees from all over the world.
  6. Christene Thurston, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library trustee and Robert Bartholomew, Town of Chester Public Library trustee won the Library Trustee of the Year Award.
  7. The Galway Public Library’s “Story Quilt” program and the Town of Chester Public Library’s “History Alive” program won Library Program of the Year Award. 
  8. Becky Wright-Sedam decided to pursue other interests and tendered her resignation.  Using the System Plan of Service, the SALS Board developed a position to help library staff understand new technologies.  Sarah Hinman joined the staff in October.  After many years of service, Allan Carter resigned from the SALS Board of Trustees.  Cheryl Gold was appointed to represent Saratoga County.
  9. The SALS Blog was developed as a means of communication among library staff, trustees and SALS.
  10. The SALS building underwent change as well.  Improved lighting, new garage doors and reallocation of space to accommodate JA staff member Jason Thomson.   Materials were withdrawn to make room for the Crandall Folk Life Center and Archives as the Crandall Public Library begins its construction project.